While it's common for babies to experience acid reflux, including spitting up after meals, it's not so common for toddlers. In fact, most infants get over reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER) by their first birthday. If it starts or persists after that, and symptoms are recurring or severe, it may actually be the more serious gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Keeping an eye out for the common signs will help you determine if it's time to consult your child's doctor for further diagnosis.
Eating Problems
Toddlers with acid reflux will often pick at their food, refuse to eat certain foods, or even refrain from eating at all, because it brings them discomfort to do so. While it's not unusual for toddlers to be picky about what they eat, it will be even more pronounced if she has reflux. She will probably also act hungry, even while rejecting what you serve her. As a result of not eating enough, coupled with not being able to keep down what she does eat, you may notice that she's slow to gain weight.
Digestive Problems
Your toddler may not be able to tell you yet if he's in pain, but he can show you with actions. If he has acid reflux, he could experience heartburn, or feel related discomfort or pain in his chest, stomach or throat, and he'll probably let you know about it by crying inconsolably after eating. He might spit up his food or have wet burps, just like when he was a baby. He may also dry retch often, vomit yellow or green fluids, or have bad breath.
Sleep Problems
GER often causes sleep issues, because when your child lies horizontally, stomach acid can easily back up into her esophagus. If your toddler suddenly starts experiencing sleep problems that she didn't have before, chances are she's newly suffering from acid reflux at night. This can include waking up and crying, or even the obstructed airway and intermittent breathing that goes with sleep apnea.
Upper Respiratory Problems
It may seem unrelated at first, but upper respiratory problems often go hand-in-hand with acid reflux, particularly if contents of the stomach get into the windpipe. These signs are easier to spot in a toddler than some digestive issues. If he has asthma-like symptoms, such as wheezing, chronic coughing, or difficulty catching his breath, there's a good chance it's caused by GER. Other signs are a hoarse voice, problems trying to swallow, ear or sinus infections, and even pneumonia.
